Single-use plastics ban moves to new phase

Wrapped plastic straws. Source: AAP

Phase two of the New South Wales government's ban of single-use plastics begins 1 November. Items such as plastic cutlery, plates and bowls will be phased out across the state in a move flagged 12 months ago.

Australian businesses are seeking more environment-friendly and sustainable solutions.
From November the 1st, items such as single-use plastic straws, stirrers, bowls and cotton bud sticks will be banned. Those found not complying face fines of up to $55,000.
According to some estimates, Australia consumes more single-use plastics than any other country in the world on a per capita basis except for Singapore. 65 per cent go to landfill and up to 145,000 tonnes leaked into the ocean.